• A 19p (3%) increase in the adult rate (from £6.31 to £6.50 per hour)
• A 10p (2%) increase in the rate for 18 to 20 year olds (from £5.03 to £5.13 per hour)
• A 7p (2%) increase in the rate for 16 to 17 year olds (from £3.72 to £3.79 per hour)
• A 5p (2%) increase in the rate for apprentices (from £2.68 to £2.73 per hour)

The decision was welcomed by Westmorland MP Tim Farron who said he has been running a campaign to increase the wage.

Mr Farron said he has been lobbying ministers over the last few months for an increase, but emphasising that they must take into account the concerns of the Lake District tourism sector and small businesses.

“Making it easier for people to get by has been a massive issue for the last few years," said Mr Farron.

"I have pushed with colleagues to give people on low and middle incomes a tax cut and increasing the minimum wage is another part of that.

“In an area like ours, even a small rise will make a difference. But an increase in the minimum wage is only part of the way that we are helping local people.

"From April, workers on the minimum wage will receive a £700 income tax cut. Locally, we have set up the energy cooperative scheme, saving some people up to £200 and are campaigning for more investment and apprenticeships. These measures are all part of our campaign to create more well paid jobs in Cumbria.”